Tape cleaning and lubricating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cleaning and lubricating apparatus for magnetic tapes or the like, said apparatus comprising take-up and dispensing spool assemblies which handle the tape for passage over cleaning and lubricating heads and associated air squeegees or dryers. The cleaning and lubricating heads are each comprised of a tubular member with a liquid-dispensing wick disposed therein in wiping engagement with the tape at a notched area in the tubular member, and means for advancing the wick through a liquid reservoir to continuously replenish the liquid applied to the moving tape.

United States Patent [1 91 Dahl [ 1 TAPE CLEANING AND LUBRICATING APPARATUS [76] lnventor: Alfred G, Dahl, 3635 Lorna Vista,

Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001 22 Filed: Apr. 28, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 248,612

[52] US. Cl. 118/65 [51] Int. Cl. B05C 11/12 [58] Field of Search .,l 118/65; 134/64 [56] References Cited V UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,507,682 4/1970 Flavin et al 118/65 X 3,656,492 4/1972 Holm et a1. 134/64 3,687,710 8/1972 Bunchez 118/65 X 3,710,755 1/1973 Hakanson 118/65 X June 28, 1974 Primary Examiner-Louis K. Rimrodt Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [57 ABSTRACT A cleaning and lubricating apparatus for magnetic tapes or the like, said apparatus comprising take-up and dispensing spool assemblies which handle the tape for passage over cleaning and lubricating heads and associated air squeegees or dryers. The cleaning and lubricating heads are each comprised of a tubular member with a liquid-dispensing wick disposed therein in wiping engagement with the tape at a notched area in the tubular member, and means for advancing the wick through a liquid reservoir to continuously replenish the liquid applied to the moving tape.

5 Claims, 7. Drawing Figures TAPE CLEANING AND LUBRICATING APPARATUS The present invention is generally related to tape handling equipment and, more particularly, to an apparatus for cleaning and lubricating magnetic tapes or the like.

In the past, various chemical cleaning and lubricating solutions have been provided for magnetic tapes, movie films, and the like. While such solutions have proven most effective when properly used, most often, the application of such solutions has been both tedious and time-consuming. Many devices have been proposed for automatically handling tapes and/or films for cleaning, or the like. However, such conventional devices have either not provided proper results or were prohibitively complex and costly to manufacture.

More recently, the cleaning and lubricating of tapes has become more important due to the introduction of multi-track magnetic tape cartridges. Such cartridges areprovided with an endless tape wrapped on a reel, whereby the tape is pulled from the reel inside and rewound on the outside which is of larger diameter. This arrangement is self-tightening, such that the friction encountered by the tape must be properly controlled if the tape is tobe advanced at a proper speed. By design and proper selection of the reel materials and the use of highly lubricated magnetic tapes, the friction may be held within tolerable limits. However, over a period of time the tape lubricant is worn away and a buildup .of contaminants or foreign substances appears on the tape, causing the tape to tighten on thereelto the point where the tape player drive mechanism is incapable of advancing the tape at theproper speed. Thus, it would be most desirable to provide an apparatus for cleaning and lubricating magnetic tapes, particularly the cartridge type, in an expeditious manner andwithout damage to the tape-during theprocess.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel tape cleaning and lubricating apparatus which is easy to operate, is of relatively simple construction, rugged, durable, and economical to manufacture and maintain.

7 Another object of the present invention is to provide a uni que liquid-dispensing device for applying liquid cleaner or lubricant to a moving length of magnetic tape or the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile liquid-dispensing device comprising a continuous length of wick which is automatically advanced through a liquid reservoir with a portion of the wick in'wiping contact with a moving tape, the liquid being continuously replenished as the wick is ad vanced.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel tape handling apparatus which includes both'cleaning and lubricating heads'together with associated dryers or air squeegees, whereby.the tape is expeditiously unreeled, cleaned, lubricated, dried, and

- tubular mem e wi h;. nsi smts th e n and,

a wick disposed in the tubular member and exposed in the area of the notch, whereby the liquid is applied to i the tape as it is advanced through the notch area.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as morev fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof,

wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tape cleaning and lubricating apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along section 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a dryer assembly associated with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view with sectionsremoved of the liquid-dispensing device associated with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along section 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6is a sectional view taken along section 66 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the wick advance mechanism associated with the present invention.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the cleaning and lubricating apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 and includes a panel or board 12 which is supported in an inclined position on a workbench or tabletop 14 by conventional means, not illustrated. The apparatus is provided with a pair of spool assemblies including reels 16 and I8 driven through conventional slip clutches l7 and 19, respectively. The slip clutches are drivingly connected to motors 28 and 30 by way of belts or drive-springs 29 and 31. In addition, motor 28 isdrivingly connected to a capstan 24 which coacts with an idler roller 26,- as hereinafter explained.

The use'of the apparatus of the present invention is basically a two-step operation, whereby the tape is dispensed or unwound from reel 18 onto take-up reel 16 and subsequently rewound. During the dispensing operatiommotor 30 is energized to rotate reel 16 in a counterclockwise direction. Slip clutch l9 permits free rotation of reel 18 in a counterclockwise direction,

' whereby the tape is advanced in a direction indicated by arrows 22. The tape passes around a plurality of upstanding rigid guide pins 32 which orient the tape for passage over a cleaning head 34 and lubricating head 36. In addition, a pair of dryers or air squeegees 40 are provided to dry the tape subsequent to the cleaning and lubricating operations.

After the entire length of tape has been dispensed from reel 18, it is manually threaded between capstan 24 and idler roller 26 back to reel 18 as indicated in dash in FIG. 1. Motor 28 is energized in a conventional manner and capstan 24, together with slip clutch 19 are effective to rewind thetape onto reel 18. During this operation, slip clutch l7 permits free rotation of reel 16 in a clockwise direction. It will also be appreciated that as the diameter of the tape increases on reel 18, proper tension is maintained at all times by way of slip clutch 19. This assures that the tape is rewound in substantially a tension-free condition. If desired, a conventional timer or counter may be coupled to capstan 24 for the purposes of measuring the length of tape being rewound onto reel 18. Such an arrangement is highly desirable for the purposes of rewinding blank tapes since the exact length of tape may be properly determined.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the construction of the dryers associated with the present invention may be seen in more detail. Each dryer is provided with an elongated slot 42 with directional fins 44 on opposite sides thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The magnetic tape'20 is passed through slot 42 adjacent to the outlet nozzles defined by fins 44 such that both sides of the tape are exposed to a stream of forced air indicated by arrows 46. In addition, the forced air is heated by a conventional electric heating element 38, or similar means. The heating of the tape not only aids in the drying process, but also renders the tape more pliable, whereby wrinkles or irregularities are removed during the operation.

A conventional blower or fan, not illustrated, is supported by panel 12 and is in communication with an inlet 48 associated with the dryer and which splits into a pair of passageways 50 and 52 which terminate at directional fins 44 on opposite sides of slot 42. Preferably, fins 44 are oriented at an angle to slot 42, such that the airflow is directed at an angle to the tape, whereby the air moves in a direction opposite to the direction of tape travel, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. This arrangement together with the heating means provides effective removal or drying of the liquid lubricants and cleaners utilized with the present invention. Of course, other types of dryers or air squeegees may be used with the present invention, if desired.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the liquid cleaner dispensing device associated with the present invention may be seen in more detail. The lubricating head 36 associated with the present invention is of similar construction to the illustrated cleaning head, with the exception that the lubricant head makes contact only with the non-magnetic side of the tape while the cleaning head engages both sides of the tape. The cleaning head is provided with a liquid reservoir or container 54 which is mounted to housing 12 by bolts 56 or other fastening means. A support frame 58 is attached to container 54 beneath panel 12 with a relatively rigid tubular member 60 of plastic or other noncorrosive material extending upwardly from frame 58 through an opening 62 formed in panel 12. Preferably, tubular member 60 is generally U-shaped in configuration, with opposite ends thereof attached to the support frame.

An elongated liquid-dispensing wick 64 of endless configuration extends through the interior of tubular member 60 with a lower section thereof dipping into a conventional liquid cleaner 66 in reservoir 54. Tubular member 60 is notched or cut away at 68 and 70 in a manner to expose the liquid dispensing wick for sliding engagement with the moving magnetic tape above panel 12. The tape is advanced past the exposed portions of the liquid dispensing wick, such that both sides of the tape wipe over the wick to provide the desired cleaning.

It will be observed that the liquid dispensing device is provided with a rotary drive wheel 72 having a knurled or serrated circumferential edge portion 74 in driving-engagement with a section of wick 64 exposed in the area of an opening 76 in tubular member 60. Preferably, the wick is made of a resilient, absorbent material which is deformed somewhat and positively grasped by the serrated edges of drive wheel 72 as it is rotated. Thus. rotation of the drive wheel is effective to advance the endless liquid dispensing wick through tubular member 60, whereby liquid which is transferred to the moving tape is continuously replenished as the wick passes through liquid reservoir 54.

With reference to FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention is provided with a wick advance motor 78 which is drivingly connected to a shaft 80 by way of a belt and pulley arrangement 82, or other conventional means. Drive shaft 80 is supported by a plurality of bearing members 83 attached to the back side of panel 12. Each of the rotary drive wheels 72 is affixed to shaft 80 for rotation therewith. As motor 78 is driven, drive wheels 72 are rotated at a predetermined speed, whereby the liquid cleaning solution and lubricant are continuously replenished during the cleaning and lubricating operations. Preferably, bearing members 83 are hingedly connected to panel 12 to provide proper pressure of drive wheel 72 against the wick due to belt tension and allow easy disassembly or removal of the cleaning and lubricating heads. Of course, it is not intended that the apparatus of the present invention be limited to the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 and other drive means may be utilized, if desired.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention provides an expeditious means of handling magnetic tapes for performing cleaning and lubricating thereof in a single operation. The manner in which the liquid dispensing devices operate assures sufficient saturation of the associated wick members at all times. While the apparatus of the present invention is most desirable for cleaning and lubricating cartridge type magnetic tapes, other types of magnetic tapes, video and audio, or movie films or film strips may be cleaned and/or lubricated as well. When handling endless cartridge type magnetic tapes, the inner reel of the tape cartridge is mounted as indicated at 18 and the tape is cut and one end is threaded through the cleaning and lubricating devices and dryer heads onto'take-up reel 16. Subsequent to rewind, the tape is spliced and replaced in its'original cartridge. Since the apparatus of the present invention is relatively simple in over-all construction and includes a small number of moving parts, it is economical to both manufacture and maintain.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An apparatus for cleaning and lubricating tapes or the like, said apparatus comprising first spool means for dispensing the tape, second spool means for taking up the tape, motor means for advancing the tape in one direction along a predetermined path extending between said first and second spool means, cleaning liquid applying means located along said path for applying cleaning liquid to at least one side of the tape as it is advanced by said motor means, lubricating liquid applying means spaced along said path from said cleaning means for applying lubricating liquid to at least one side of the tape as it is advanced by said motor means, and first and second air dryers spaced along said path between said cleaning and lubricating liquid applying means and said lubricating liquid applying means and saidflsecon d spool means, respectively, each air dryer including means operative to direct heated drying air onto both sides of tape moving along said 'path from opposite sides of the path and in directions inclined at least slightly in the other direction along said path.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said lubricating means includes a lubricant carrying wick in wiping engagement with one side of the tape.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said cleaning means includes a wick member with a liquid cleaner thereon.

4. The combination'of claim 1 wherein said cleaning and lubricating liquid applying means each comprise a stationary tubular guide member, an endless elongated flexible liquid-dispensing wick member having a portion thereof slidably received through said tubular 1 guide member, a tape-receiving notch in said tubular ,posed and through which said wick member is lengthwise movable, said tubular member having an opening formed in one side thereof exposing a third portion of the liquid-dispensing wick member, and a rotary drive wheel having a peripheral portion thereof projecting inwardly through said opening drivingly engaged with the opposing side of said third portion of said liquiddispensing member for lengthwise driving the latter through said tubular member.

5. A device for applying liquid to a moving tape, said device comprising a stationary tubular guide member, an endless elongated flexible liquid-dispensing wick member having a portion thereof slidably received through said tubular guide member, a tape-receiving notch in said tubular member exposing a first section of said liquid-dispensing wick member along a portion of its length for applying liquid to the tape as the latter moves lengthwise through said notch in contact with said liquid dispensing wick member, said device further including liquid reservoir means in which a second portion of said wick member is disposed and through which said wick member is lengthwise movable, said tubular member having an opening formed in one side thereof exposing a third portion of the liquiddispensing wick member, and a rotary drive wheel having a peripheral portion thereof projecting inwardly through said opening and drivingly engaged with the opposing side of said third portion of said liquid dispensing member for lengthwise driving the latter through 'said tubular member. 

1. An apparatus for cleaning and lubricating tapes or the like, said apparatus comprising first spool means for dispensing the tape, second spool means for taking up the tape, motor means for advancing the tape in one direction along a predetermined path extending between said first and second spool means, cleaning liquid applying means located along said path for applying cleaning liquid to at least one side of the tape as it is advanced by said motor means, lubricating liquid applying means spaced along said path from said cleaning means for applying lubricating liquid to at least one side of the tape as it is advanced by said motor means, and first and second air dryers spaced along said path between said cleaning and lubricating liquid applying means and said lubricating liquid applying means and said second spool means, respectively, each air dryer including means operative to direct heated drying air onto both sides of tape moving along said path from opposite sides of the path and in directions inclined at least slightly in the other direction along said path.
 2. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said lubricating means includes a lubricant carrying wick in wiping engagement with one side of the tape.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said cleaning means includes a wick member with a liquid cleaner thereon.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said cleaning and lubricating liquid applying means each comprise a stationary tubular guide member, an endless elongated flexible liquid-dispensing wick member having a portion thereof slidably received through said tubular guide member, a tape-receiving notch in said tubular member exposing a first section of said liquid-dispensing wick member along a portion of its length for applying liquid to the tape as the latter moves lengthwise through said notch in contact with said liquid-dispensing wick member, liquid reservoir means in which a second portion of said wick member is disposed and through which said wick member is lengthwise movable, said tubular member having an opening formed in one side thereof exposing a third portion of the liquid-dispensing wick member, and a rotary drive whEel having a peripheral portion thereof projecting inwardly through said opening drivingly engaged with the opposing side of said third portion of said liquid-dispensing member for lengthwise driving the latter through said tubular member.
 5. A device for applying liquid to a moving tape, said device comprising a stationary tubular guide member, an endless elongated flexible liquid-dispensing wick member having a portion thereof slidably received through said tubular guide member, a tape-receiving notch in said tubular member exposing a first section of said liquid-dispensing wick member along a portion of its length for applying liquid to the tape as the latter moves lengthwise through said notch in contact with said liquid dispensing wick member, said device further including liquid reservoir means in which a second portion of said wick member is disposed and through which said wick member is lengthwise movable, said tubular member having an opening formed in one side thereof exposing a third portion of the liquid-dispensing wick member, and a rotary drive wheel having a peripheral portion thereof projecting inwardly through said opening and drivingly engaged with the opposing side of said third portion of said liquid dispensing member for lengthwise driving the latter through said tubular member. 